Dropper post for Levo

[DTZ]

I've just ordered a base model 2019 Levo FSR. The plan is as follows.....

1) Buy better forks, and then fit the standard forks that come on the FSR to the other halfs Levo HT. Her bike gets an upgrade from the terrible Suntours and I can get better forks.

2) Fit a dropper post.

It is point 2 that I have a question regarding...

- I see a number of recommendations for using a Brand X dropper, but I think that the Levo has a 34.9mm seat post, but I think the Brand X only comes in a maximum of 31.6 - Whilst I know I can use a shim, I didn't think these were ideal for dropper posts (in fact didn't think they were ideal at all). Does anyone else run with a shim, or do Brand X actually do a 34.9mm dropper post? What does everyone else run?

 

[Kave]

I would very much like to know the same, I am thinking about the Oneup components dropper.

 

[Mattwilko92]

X Fusion Manic is fitted to Carbon Comp Models in 34.9 form - highly recommend it.

Im running a shim as i wanted the Fox Transfer dropper (bike tart). No issues with the shim, many on here are doing the same.

 

[TheBikePilot]

Yup, I've got a shim on a Fox Dropper. You lose some drop but it works fine...Shims shouldn't be anymore than £10..

 

[DTZ]

Thanks for the replies, after typing I realised I'd mixed up X Fusion (as per comp) and Brand X.

Despite not even having the bike yet I took a look on ebay and I've purchased an X Fusion 34.9/150 drop post. Taken from a specialised and includes the specialised lever. Was a little more expensive than I had hoped for a 2nd hand post but its effectively "Original Spec".

Now to find some forks.....(and collect the bike!)

 

[Mikerb]

Rockshox Reverb Stealth comes in that size as well.

 

[slowbrain]

I run OneUp Components with a shim. 100% satisfaction

 

[dirt huffer]

I've run both Manic and OneUp and can say the Manic is a very good dropper. The only nock against it compared to the oneup is the travel isn't adjustable, stack height isn't as short and insert depth is a bit more... but operationally it's every bit as smooth and good. OneUp is just so inexpensive it has everyone beat, but you can find Manic droppers for $100 on eBay which are a steal in my opinion.

 

[Max-E]

Anyone got a source for decent shims (ie longer preferably 125mm) in the UK?

 

[slowbrain]

Sixpack Adapter sleeve 34,9/31,6 mm black at Bikester.co.uk
MSC Seatpost Diameter Reducer Shim
USE Seat Post Shim 31.6 mm 34.9 mm

not really easy to find...

 

[DTZ]

Someone mentioned these from Winstanleys a few days ago.....

Search results for: 'shim'

Only 100mm though

 

[DTZ]

Theres a Specialised Command WU post currently on ebay at £90
Specialized Command Post WU (dropper seat post) 34.9 x 125mm | eBay

Or a brand new "Non WU" Specialised Command Post
Specialized Command IRcc Dropper Post 34.9 160mm Brand New 719676839042 | eBay

 

[dirt huffer]

I bet you could run a 170mm OneUp post in place of a 125mm WU. That WU has a gigantic stack height from the bottom of the collar to the seat rails. I'd love to see Specialized commission OneUp to do a 34.9mm post on all their non-WU-equiped bikes but I wont hold my breath for it

 

[Fire_2]

Fox Racing Shox Transfer Factory Series Dropper Post - Collar Routing

 

[TMS]

I bought this one to replace the original S-WORKS seat post. REVIVE MAX 160 / 34.9 - without remote
Very accurate, like it a lot.

 

[derby]

After a couple months on the 2018 Levo Carbon with 30.9mm seat tube and stock Specialized Command Post, I swapped to a Fox Transfer Performance (the Performance has black anodized slider, the Fox Factory model is the same but has the orange Kashima coating) with 150mm drop, gaining 25mm deeper seat drop. The Fox Transfer has much easier action and infinite drop adjust compared to the multi-step drops of the stock Command Post. I adjust drop much more often with the easier action of the Fox post.

As a reminder, before buying an aftermarket dropper post, do check your bikes limit for overall seat post length with your preferred seat mounted to the post, to be sure an aftermarket dropper will install deep enough inside the seat tube's seat post length limitation. For example, in the 2018 Levo Carbon, the upper suspension link's fixture inside the seat tube is the seat post insert depth limit. My 150mm Fox Transfer barely fit the available seat tube depth clearance of my size large Levo and my 32 inch (dress-pant inseam measurement) leg reach, with less than 4 to 6 mm to spare, using the stock Specialized seat. Later swapped to a much more comfortable SQ Labs X60. And the new seat was slightly taller and required that I lower the post further to the maximum available post insert limit of the seat tube. I was very lucky because I did not check this limit before buying the Fox Transfer post with 25mm more drop than the stock dropper.

 

[Kave]

I thought Specialized adviced against hydraulic dropper posts?

 

[TMS]

After a couple months on the 2018 Levo Carbon with 30.9mm seat tube and stock Specialized Command Post, I swapped to a Fox Transfer Performance (the Performance has black anodized slider, the Fox Factory model is the same but has the orange Kashima coating) with 150mm drop, gaining 25mm deeper seat drop. The Fox Transfer has much easier action and infinite drop adjust compared to the multi-step drops of the stock Command Post. I adjust drop much more often with the easier action of the Fox post.

As a reminder, before buying an aftermarket dropper post, do check your bikes limit for overall seat post length with your preferred seat mounted to the post, to be sure an aftermarket dropper will install deep enough inside the seat tube's seat post length limitation. For example, in the 2018 Levo Carbon, the upper suspension link's fixture inside the seat tube is the seat post insert depth limit. My 150mm Fox Transfer barely fit the available seat tube depth clearance of my size large Levo and my 32 inch (dress-pant inseam measurement) leg reach, with less than 4 to 6 mm to spare, using the stock Specialized seat. Later swapped to a much more comfortable SQ Labs X60. And the new seat was slightly taller and required that I lower the post further to the maximum available post insert limit of the seat tube. I was very lucky because I did not check this limit before buying the Fox Transfer post with 25mm more drop than the stock dropper.

I agree. I measured twice that I can't replace original 160 mm with 180 mm Revive max dropper. Even 160 mm Revive is a close call because it is about 20 mm longer than the original Command Post. Bike frame size is L. In the picture droppers are not in the same level and the length difference looks bigger.

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

Anyone got a source for decent shims (ie longer preferably 125mm) in the UK?

I use one from superstar components £6. I believe on-one do one for £3.

 

[R120]

One-Up posts give you the maximum insertion/maximum drop of any post on the market - on quite a few frames you can go with a 170/180mm One -Up where only a 150mm from other brands would work.

There saddle clamp design also sits the saddle much closer to the top of the post, meaning the saddle sits lower when slammed compared to other posts.

 

[DTZ]

My ebay purchase has fell through, apparently the seller went to package it and found it was scratched (dropped by his kids). He's fully refunded me though so no complaints there. Unfortunately there are now no 34.9mm posts on ebay

I've had a measure of my bike (2019 Base model Levo FSR in Large) and a measurement that may help some of you is that the absolute maximum insertion for a seat post, when measured from the seat post clamp and down to the suspension mounts in the seat tube is 255mm. At the point where the seatpost touches the suspension points there is additional space before the motor where a dropper actuator will fit, but its not a massive additional depth. If running a narrower post (eg 31.6) with a shim there is a good chance it could go lower as the suspension bolts only extend by a very small amount inside the seat post tube. I didn't try this though as I didn't have a shim or a 36.1mm post to try.

I've also had a measure of my seat position and I'm running a height of 195mm from seat clamp to seat rails (Stack height). The 170mm One Up has a stack height of 207mm, and it looks like the XFusion Manic 150mm actually has a stack height of approx 202mm. So it looks like I need to go for one of......

1) 170mm OneUp and use their adjustable shim to set it a little lower (160mm ish) - the insert length of 243mm + 32mm for the actuator will fit in the seat tube even fully inserted
2) 150mm OneUp and have a seat a little higher (10mm ish) in the down position, giving plenty of space in the seat tube
3) 125mm dropper post!

Can anyone recommend the best place to buy the OneUp (Good Price) and does anyone have any recommendations for remotes to use with the post as the oneUp remote seems pretty expensive at £50 ish)

 

[All Mountain Coaching]

£50 seems about the norm. Not used one up but used quite a few and the wolftooth is the best so far.

 

[Doomanic]

The ZTTO Dropper Lever isn’t getting panned on STW and they’re a judgemental bunch.

ZTTO ADJUSTABLE METAL MECHANICAL MTB SEATPOST DROPPER REMOTE LEVER SHIFTER | eBay

 

[208rider]

I'm running a x-fusion manic 31.6 with a cane Creek 34.9 spacer. It's a very clean setup, maybe something to consider. Ignore the weird cables, it's my car battery charger that's on the shelf.

 

[DTZ]

I've actually just ordered a 34.9 XFusion Manic. I think the stack height might be a few mm too high at full extension but its basically original equipment that would be supplied with the comp model.

The OneUp may be a slightly better post, but by the time you add spacer, cable, remote etc its quite a bit more expensive than the XFusion and I'm not advanced enough to probably recognise the benefits of the OneUp over the XFusion

 

[DTZ]

Arrrggggghhhhh - You just couldn't make this up!

I ordered a seatpost from a guy on ebay - I had to get a refund because when he went to package it he found a big scratch in it. Refund is on its way, but Paypal typically keep teh money for a week or so before releasing it to me.

This evening I ordered a 34.9 XFusion Manic from an online supplier, all processed and paid. 45 minutes later I receive an email telling me they are out of stock until July!! Now awaiting refund etc!

Why is this so difficult! Will I ever get a dropper post? With the pending refunds I'll soon have paid out more than a comp would have cost me!

 

[jcmonty]

I replaced the Wu Commad post (still have it - only a few rides on it if interested. I wanted more drop) with the PNW Bachelor 34.9mm on my Kenevo.

BACHELOR DROPPER POST

I have the 170mm variant, and it's the smoothest dropper that I have had (vs. Reverbs, KS-Lev, 9point8, etc). The Loam Lever is a trick piece of equipment as well, and it's relatively inexpensive given the quality.

 

[Galion]

Newbe question, If I replace the command post that came in my Levo (which I dont like btw) do I have to order new cables and controls aswell?

 

[Al Boneta]

Newbe question, If I replace the command post that came in my Levo (which I dont like btw) do I have to order new cables and controls aswell?

Now you can reuse them, I would replace the inner wire

 

[wepn]

Just one recommendation - have a spare non dropper 34.9 post for when the dropper breaks or needs service. Wonky Wu & bricked Reverb in 1 month. 2 destroyed. Is it me?